botany. 
2C9 
only, alt. 3 to 4 ; but although it fruits well, it does not spread. 
256. R. pinnatus, Willd.-The Common Blackberry of the Island 
(introduced in 1775) is one of the most abundant of all plants It is 
confined to Alt. 3 to 5 '4, and overruns large patches of land . It 
affords good cover for pheasants, and the fruit is gathered for making 
jams and tarts ; beyond this I do not know of its usefulness m any 
way. It quickly spreads over the grass lands if left unchecked and 
is now overgrowing the native plants on Diana’s Peak and the lig 
ridge. It is thus assisting in the destruction of the indigenous 
flora, preventing the seeds from germinating by excluding bot i 
light and air from the soil upon which they may fall. It may 
be described as very common, and growing wild on the whole of the 
upper land. — Hab. Madeira. . 
257. R- idaeus, Linn.— English Raspberry ; grows cultivated in 
some gardens. Alt. 3‘8, rare, and does not fruit.— Hab. Europe, 
N. Africa, Siberia, W. Asia. ‘ , 
258. R. rossefolius, Sm. — Known by the name of Wild 
Raspberry ; grows wild and is common pretty generally, but mostly 
on the south side of the Island, at M. alt. 4. Its beautiful bright- 
red berries are gathered in quantities by the natives, and sold m le 
market for the purpose of making jam.— Hab. Mauritius. 
Spirsea, Linn. 
259. S. Reevesiana, Lindl. — The May of the Islanders ; a pretty, 
small shrubby plant, growing about four feet high, and making s lowy 
hedges, especially when covered with its white blossoms, which 
resemble the English May. It grows on the high lands in an 
uncultivated state. Very common, does not seed, and is easily 
propagated ^ _ Mentioned by Boxburgh as growing 
in the Island.— Hab. N. America. 
SUB-ORD. POMEiE. 
Eriobotrya, Lindl. 
261. E.japonica, Lindl.; Meapilus japonica, Thunb.— The Loquat 
is one of the most abundant and best fruits of the place. Grows to a 
